The American Express 2024: An Overview of the Unique Format and Strong Field

by

Jan 16, 2024

The American Express, a prestigious PGA golf event, is back in action at the PGA West, bringing together golfers from around the world for an exciting week in the Californian desert. Unlike most PGA tour events, the American Express is played on three different golf courses across three different properties, adding an intriguing twist to the competition. As we gear up for this year’s tournament, let’s delve into what you need to know about these courses and the unique format that sets the stage for the American Express in 2024.

The Courses:

  1. Stadium Course: Known for being exceptionally forgiving, the Stadium Course is considered super easy by PGA tour standards. This course often yields low scores, making it a favorable hunting ground for the players looking to make their mark.

  2. La Quinta: While not particularly difficult, La Quinta presents a bit more challenge than the Stadium Course. Players need to navigate its layout strategically to secure a good score.

  3. Nicklaus Course at PGA West: Among the three courses in rotation, the Nicklaus Course is arguably the toughest. Its unique design and challenging holes pose a formidable test for even the most skilled golfers.

The Format: What makes the American Express stand out is its format. The cut doesn’t come until Sunday, which is quite unusual in the world of professional golf. Participants will play three rounds—one day on each of the three courses—before the final round on Sunday. This setup adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event, keeping fans and bettors on their toes.

The Challenges: While this format provides excitement, it’s worth noting that it’s not ideal for TV viewership. The shot tracker may not work seamlessly, and rounds can stretch to approximately six hours, making it a unique challenge for bettors.

However, one silver lining is that the multiple courses prevent the scheduling issues that plagued the PGA tour in the past due to darkness suspensions. This year’s American Express promises a smoother viewing experience for fans and bettors alike.

The Strong Field: In the world of golf, a tournament is only as exciting as the players who participate. The American Express 2024 boasts a relatively strong field, unlike some recent events. Gone are the days when lesser-known players dominated the leaderboard. This year, high-level golfers are in contention, making the competition fierce and unpredictable.

As we embark on this exciting week in the Californian desert, keep an eye on your favorite players and betting odds because the American Express promises thrilling action on unique courses with a field that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

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Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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